Chapter 16 - Page 2

possible hope, and that thought almost destroys
my reason. When I hear that you are going to be married, I feel
murder in my heart. You must forgive me, Suzanne."

He paused. The young girl murmured half sadly, half gaily: "It is a
pity that you are married; but what can you do? It cannot be
helped."

He turned toward her abruptly and said: "If I were free would you
marry me?"

She replied: "Yes, Bel-Ami, I would marry you because I love you
better than any of the others."

He rose and stammering: "Thanks--thanks--do not, I implore you, say
yes to anyone. Wait a while. Promise me."

Somewhat confused, and without comprehending what he asked, she
whispered: "I promise."

Du Roy threw a large piece of bread into the water and fled, without
saying adieu, as if he were beside himself. Suzanne, in surprise,
returned to the salon.

When Du Roy arrived home, he asked Madeleine, who was writing
letters: "Shall you dine at the Walters' Friday? I am going."

She hesitated: "No, I am not well. I prefer to remain here."

"As you like. No one will force you." Then he took up his hat and
went out.

For some time he had watched and followed her, knowing all her
actions. The time he had awaited had come at length.

On Friday he dressed early, in order, as he said, to make several
calls before going to M. Walter's. At about six o'clock, after
having kissed his wife, he went in search of a cab. He said to the
cabman: "You can stop at No. 17 Rue Fontaine, and remain there until
I order you to go on. Then you can take me to the restaurant Du Coq-
Faisan, Rue Lafayette."

The cab rolled slowly on; Du Roy lowered the shades. When in front
of his house, he kept watch of it. After waiting ten minutes, he saw
Madeleine come out and go toward the boulevards. When she was out of
earshot, he put his head out of the window and cried: "Go on!"

The cab proceeded on its way and stopped at the Coq-Faisan. Georges
entered the dining-room and ate slowly, looking at his watch from
time to time. At seven-thirty he left and drove to Rue La
Rochefoucauld. He mounted to the third story of a house in that
street, and asked the maid who opened the door: "Is M. Guibert de
Lorme at home?"

"Yes, sir."

He was shown into the drawing-room, and after waiting some time, a
tall man with a military bearing and gray hair entered. He was the
police commissioner.

Du Roy bowed, then said: "As I suspected, my wife is with her lover
in furnished apartments they have rented on Rue des Martyrs."

The magistrate bowed: "I am at your